Gait training is physical therapy that focuses on improving the patient’s ability to walk. It’s used to help patients recover from any injury or condition that impairs upward mobility. Understandably, this is very important to people who’ve recently received a leg prosthesis. It’s a long, difficult road to recovery, but the outcome is well worth the effort. What exactly does gait training involve? Read further for a better understanding of the recovery process!

Strength

The key to strength training is recognizing which muscles need improvement and focusing on them. Of course, since these muscles are weak starting off, it won’t feel too pleasant at the beginning. The burning in the muscles means you’re getting stronger, and soon, your walking will improve more than you could imagine. Repetition is important for getting these muscles back to working condition, so stay focused on the end goal no matter how tough it feels to keep moving forward. You WILL thank yourself later.

More Advanced Exercises

Once the muscles begin to strengthen, we can focus on more individual tasks to improve mobility. Having sturdiness back in the lower body is wonderful, but there are still movements that need to be mastered. This involves more aerobic-based exercises, like treadmill training or mobility training. These can help you get accustomed to movements involved in walking, running, bike riding, and other activities with a focus on the lower body. The main focus should be on repetition and working up a sweat. Don’t worry about how fast you’re going or if you get tired easily. As long as you’re putting in effort and staying consistent, the results will show!

Contact Us for Help!

BioTech has decades of experience with both designing prosthetics and helping our patients with the journey back to an active lifestyle. Our team has the experience and passion to provide the best possible outcome for anyone who’s ready to turn their disabilities into possibilities. This is much more than a job to the BioTech team; it’s our joy and calling. Looking to take the next step towards a full recovery? Contact us today for more information!

There are few amputees who don’t struggle with body image issues after limb loss. Although many people assume women’s body image struggles are worse than men’s, this isn’t really the case; men have the same problems women have.

Even if your amputation is planned and you feel likeyou have mentally prepared for what’s coming, you’ll probably still get hit with body image issues. So what’s the best thing to do if this happens? How can you learn to love your body again?

Embrace Your Individuality

The first thing to know is that everyone’s path to acceptance looks different. We wish we could outline a step-by-step program that would have you loving your body in 3 weeks or less! But that’s just not reality.

Whether you’re in denial about what’s happened, or you’re just beginning to glance into the mirror for the first time, accepting your new body is going to take some time – and it won’t happen the same way for any two people.

Process Your Feelings

Others may applaud you for your bravery, especially once you begin returning to work or school. You might be tempted to “fake it” for a while – acting like you are fine with your new body, even though you aren’t.

While total transparency may not be an option for you in the workplace, you should seek out a safe space in which to expresshow you really feel, deep down. Maybe you feel a lot of self-loathing because of your amputation, even though you’re not to blame for it. Maybe you can’t look in the mirror without crying. Maybe you are struggling to even get through the day.

This will get easier, but in the meantime, a counselor or trusted friend can help you vent your fears, anger, and frustration in a safe way. Give yourself the resources you need to move through this process – don’t stuff your feelings away.

Give It Time

As you learn to live with limb loss, you will become accustomed to your new body shape. You’ll learn to give yourself grace as you deal with difficult, sometimes irrational, emotions. By putting words to your emotions, you will find that they become easier to handle – which means you’ll move through them at a healthier pace. Soon, you will see strength and resilience in the mirror instead of an incomplete body – and that’s when you know you’re well on your way to loving your body again after limb loss.

Happy Valentine’s Day from BioTech!

No matter where you are in your limb loss journey, BioTech is here to show you some love! Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day, andcontact us for all your prosthetic and orthotic needs!

The winter months can be hard for everyone – transportation gets trickier, the sidewalks can get slippery, and if it snows, just forget about it! But when you’re new to limb loss and trying to adjust to your prosthetic device, things can be even more challenging. Check out these winter limb loss tips that will make your life easier!

Challenges Amputees Face in the Winter

Winter can pose a whole new set of challenges for people with limb loss. Newer prostheses are often mostly constructed of metals that are left exposed, and when the weather gets really cold, that chill can creep through the socket into your residual limb.

Another challenge is walking on ice. Typically, when a person walks on an icy surface, they walk almost completely flat footed to compensate for the lack of traction. But when you have a leg prosthesis, your ankle can’t always adapt that way – which means slipping is a very real possibility.

Solutions for These Issues

The best option for keeping your prosthesis and your residual limb warm this winter is insulation. If you’re not sure what that looks like or where to find it, there are all kinds of options, from sleeves to liners and more. Just make sure to bundle up, even if you’re not wearing your prosthesis – your residual limb can get very irritated and start to hurt from the cold weather.

(As a side note, it’s advised that you don’t skip wearing your device in the winter – so do your best to be consistent!)

When it comes to walking on ice, there arebionic ankles that can bend with greater acuity than ever before. But if that’s not something you’re interested in, there’s also a wide variety of shoes with exceptional traction that can help you stay upright on an icy surface.

Want More Winter Limb Loss Tips?

Here at BioTech, we’re experts on winter prosthetic technology and caring for your device. Make sure you’re comfortable and safe this season bycontacting us for more information about wearing your prosthesis in the winter!

Exercise might be a bit of a challenge after limb loss, but ultimately, the choice is yours: will you let limb loss dictate your fitness routine, or will you rise to the occasion and keep your body in top condition, no matter what?

Below, we’ll talk about some ways to maintain your fitness with a prosthetic limb. Read on!

Begin at an Appropriate Level

When you think about it, exercise for someone who has all four limbs really isn’t that different than exercise for amputees. In each case, the person who is starting an exercise program needs to recognize their abilities and their obstacles, and they must start — and continue — exercising at the correct level for their physique. If they do too much, they risk injury; if they do too little, the program will ultimately be ineffective.

Someone who wears a prosthesis must begin their workout program at an appropriate level of challenge just like anyone else. The only difference is adapting to a mechanical device that wasn’t there before, which, admittedly, is a different sort of challenge than the kind that someone with all four limbs might face. But if it’s treated as part of the fitness routine, and the person who is exercising chooses to “get used to” the device just as they will get used to the physical demands of their exercise, they may be shocked at how much success they find.

Recognize the Benefits

Just like people without limb loss, amputees will see myriad benefits from engaging in an exercise program. Some of these benefits include:

Improved functioning of heart, lungs, and muscles

Better flexibility, mobility, and coordination

Prevention of limb atrophy and muscle hypertrophy

Stress management

Overall sense of well-being

Improved self-esteem

Better sleep

Although many people with limb loss are fearful of hurting themselves, feeling uncomfortable, or being scrutinized while exercising in public, the fact is that the benefits far outweigh the possible risks.

Yes, exercise for amputees can be very demanding — but with a little determination and the help of a fitness professional, anyone can reap the rewards of better physical, emotional, and mental health!

Become Empowered with BioTech!

Exercise for amputees isn’t just about physical fitness or mental health. It’s about setting a challenge for yourself and overcoming it. It’s about finding your inner strength — that deep-rooted power you may not even know is there. And once you’ve discovered it, you’ll realize the only limits you really have are the ones you place on yourself.

BioTech can help you discover your inner power! Contact us today for help with prosthetic limbs, expedited fittings, and expert advice. We are here to help!

When the weather changes, so does your body. Warm, humid air may turn your straight hair curly; dry winter air may send you running for the lotion three times a day. But aside from using sunscreen, there are a lot of other things to consider when it comes to warm weather skin care for amputees. Let’s take a look at two things to keep in mind as spring arrives this year!

Preventing Infection

You’re going to sweat in the spring and summer — that much is inevitable! But if your residual limb is sweating in its socket all day, you may end up with a bacterial infection. Nobody wants that!

At least once a day, wash your prosthetic socket and your residual limb with antibacterial soap in order to prevent infection from occurring. It’s also wise to wash your prosthetic socks and liners and least once daily, making sure they are totally dry before you wear them again.

Preventing the Breakdown of Your Skin

Being outside a lot when the weather is warm is great for you! But the more active you are with your prosthetic device, the more risk you have of your skin breaking down around it.

To keep your skin healthy, be sure your prosthesis fits perfectly and that you are maintaining a steady weight. Drink lots of water and eat healthy foods whenever possible so that bloating is minimal. This will help your skin stay in great shape through the end of the summer!

Contact BioTech with Questions about Skin Care for Amputees!

If you have any questions or concerns about taking care of your skin this spring and summer, let us know! We are ready and willing to help you in any way we can. Contact us today!

If you have suffered from limb loss, then we think it is important to understand that you are not alone! Although everyone has different experiences and specific situations that led to amputation, there is an amazing community that will be there to help you along the way.

BioTech Limb and Brace has put together some helpful tips for those dealing with limb loss to help you adjust. Check them out below.

The Feeling You Get Immediately After Surgery WILL Pass

One of the most important things to remember is that every amputee goes through the common stages of dealing with their situation. Many report waking up after the operation with a variety of feelings. Rest assured that the feelings of uncertainty, fear, and being overwhelmed will pass.

Turn “What If” Into Optimistic Thinking

Thanks to modern technology, living life as someone dealing with the loss of a limb has an absolutely amazing outlook. It is important that you try to combat negative and “what if” thinking with optimistic, positive outlooks. There are hundreds – no thousands – of incredible stories of amputees that are accomplishing their dreams – the same exact dreams they had before becoming an amputee. You can do it and reminding yourself that on a regular basis is important when you have experienced limb loss.

Seek Out Other Amputees

One of the best ways to see for yourself all of the incredible possibilities ahead of you is to engage with other amputees. Get tuned into your new community – there are amazing individuals who have been exactly where you are and would love to welcome you as part of the family.

When you’re dealing with limb loss, you are never alone. The community is absolutely incredible! Check out the Amputee Coalition website. Follow BioTech on Facebook and other social media platforms. Plug into community and regional events.

Additional Helpful Information

For additional information on adjusting to your new life, check out the links below:

Phantom pain is pain that can be felt by those who have lost a limb. The pain feels like it is coming from that limb that is no longer there. Phantom pain is most often experienced in amputee patients, not those already born without limbs.

Not long ago, doctors theorized that post-amputation phantom pain was psychological. However, it has now been identified as a physical problem. Experts have observed neural activity in the brain during these phantom pain episodes originating from nerves in the spinal cord and other limbs.

For many patients, phantom pain is post-surgery phenomenon that improves with time. However, for others the pain does not go away. To manage that pain, one should always seek professional advice from their doctor to receive proper treatment, in the form of medication and/or therapy.

Here’s more on phantom pain and how to handle it.

Symptoms and Causes of Phantom Pain

The symptoms of phantom pain are exactly that: pain. Throbbing, stinging, burning, shooting sensations from limbs that are no longer there constitute phantom pain.

Researchers are still unclear as to the cause of phantom pain, but with the help of diagnostic imaging scans it has become apparent that the brain can receive mixed signals from the nerves. The nerve ends in the area of the missing limb may send signals to the brain which trigger pain even if it is mild discomfort or just a touch. Sometimes, the brain may even reroute the nerve signals.

For example, sensory nerves in other parts of the body like the face may trigger phantom pain from a missing right leg. So that when you touch that part of your face, your brain registers that sensation as leg pain. It truly is a fascinating phenomenon.

How to Fight Phantom Pain

Often, amputees feel the most pain in the remaining body part or the stump. This pain can be extremely challenging to live with. However, it does usually fade with time, and it can be both prevented and treated. Phantom pain and stump pain tend to occur in the lower limbs (toes, feet, legs), and they are usually sparked by changes in the weather, pressure from other objects on the remaining body parts, stress, and poorly-fitting prosthetics.

Therapy techniques like massages, electrical stimulation through EMGs (electromyography), stump socks and proper skin care, as well as prosthetic fittings, can all help. Treatment focuses on how changing the way the sensations are represented in the brain. Seeing a physical therapist is often advantageous as well. Exercises, manipulation, and training can be good for your limbs in general and especially to deal with the pain.

With the right medication and physical therapy, this pain can be treated. To help prevent stump and phantom pain in the first place, getting a custom-fit prosthetic is beneficial. The right professionals can make sure your prosthetic fits well, provides you with comfort and convenience, and adds to your everyday functionality while also making sure that your body is not experiencing pressure and discomfort from the limb.

Contact BioTech Limb and Brace Today

BioTech customizes prosthetics to ensure your functionality and comfort. Our goal is to create limbs that fit you perfectly and provide you with both comfort and convenience. Contact BioTech today and recognize your possibilities!

Amputation surgery can be an overwhelming experience. The time you spend recovering in the hospital can seem like a blur in your memory as you work to process all of the information and cope with your new life. Understandably so, it can be easy to forget the post-op self-care tips you received at discharge.

At BioTech we understand the importance of proper self-care while healing from your amputation surgery. A proper healing process is key to the effective use of a future prosthesis.

Below are some ways to make sure your healing process goes as smoothly as possible after your amputation surgery.

#1: Follow Doctor’s Orders

Your doctor knows exactly what you need to do for the best outcome of your surgery. Don’t ignore his or her instructions. If you have a question about anything the doctor has told you to do, make sure you express your concerns and get their advice. Never stop any of your treatment without consulting with your doctor first.

Make sure you are positioning your body based on your doctor’s instructions. Laying on your stomach for 20 minutes, three to four times each day, will help to stretch out your hip muscle. Always sit with your stump straight and level and avoid turning it in or out from your body. If you will be lying down for a long period of time, keep your stump elevated to avoid swelling.

If you doctor prescribes you medicine, take it for as long as prescribed. If your doctor orders physical therapy, keep going until your doctor tells you it’s time to stop. If you physician tells you to keep your stump wrapped, wrap it daily and tighten it when it gets loose. Only take it off to shower.

Realizing that your doctor knows best will go a long way towards your healing; therefore, make sure you follow his or her instructions directly for best results now and in the future.

#2: Choose a Healthy Lifestyle

Some of the things that will greatly benefit your healing are the same things that keep anyone healthy. Proper nutrition and exercise will expedite your healing process and keep you in better shape.

Start by switching to a high protein diet. Aim for a protein intake of 1.5-2 grams per kilogram of body weight daily. Limit your sugar as well for the best results. Diabetic amputees should especially control their glucose levels for proper healing.

Another great way to help with healing while improving your overall health is to stop smoking. Ideally, smoking should have ceased four to eight weeks before surgery, but it’s never too late to quit if you did not kick the habit before your operation. Ceasing smoking immediately can greatly reduce post-op complications!

#3: Strengthen Your Body

The stronger your body, the quicker you will recover and the greater likelihood you will be able to successfully adapt to a new prosthesis. You need to build your strength and your endurance.

Doing a good cardio workout, such as swimming, will build up your endurance and improve your general health. Also, because you will have a new center of gravity, balance exercises will be of great benefit. Before engaging in any exercise, consult with your physician first to make sure you are ready.

If you have a lower limb amputation, use weights or resistance bands to work your upper body. Using a walker or wheelchair will require more use of your arms than you are probably used to; therefore, strengthening your arms goes a long way at helping you adapt to your post-op lifestyle.

Working your core helps support your whole body. You can work your core while seated or even in bed. Your physical therapist can give you the best exercises for strengthening your core during your healing process.

Also remember that your unaffected limb will likely be carrying more of the workload now; therefore, be sure to condition it properly. At the same time, you don’t want to ignore the stump. A strong stump is the foundation of proper prosthesis use! Even when it’s hard and even when you would rather do anything but exercise, follow the instructions given to you by your physical therapist. Later, you will be glad that you took their advice.

Contact BioTech Limb and Brace Today for Your Custom Prosthetic Needs

BioTech offers custom prosthetics that will help give you amazing function, helping you to recognize your possibilities!

Our goal is to create a limb that fits you perfectly with the utmost level of comfort and convenience. Contact BioTech today to learn more about how we can help.